Robert Moses State Park stretches across 875 acres at the western tip of Fire Island, one of Long Island’s most beloved barrier islands. Established in 1908, it’s one of New York’s oldest state parks and remains a premier destination for beachgoers seeking Atlantic Ocean surf without the Hamptons price tag.

The park’s main draw is its expansive ocean beach, divided into numbered fields that spread along miles of white sand. Field 2 tends to draw the biggest crowds, while Field 5 offers a quieter experience and access to the Fire Island Lighthouse, a striking 168-foot landmark built in 1858 that you can climb for panoramic views of the coastline and Great South Bay.

Swimming, surfing, and fishing dominate the warm-weather months. Anglers cast for striped bass and bluefish from the shore, while the bay side offers calmer waters for kayaking and paddleboarding. A pitch-and-putt golf course, basketball courts, and picnic areas round out the amenities. The park also connects to the Fire Island National Seashore trail system, where boardwalk paths wind through maritime forest and dune habitat home to deer and migratory shorebirds.

The best time to visit is late June through early September, when lifeguards are on duty and facilities are fully operational. Weekdays beat weekends for parking, which fills fast on hot summer days. Fall brings excellent surf fishing and uncrowded beaches.

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